PETRIE'S ENTERPRISE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXII, Issue 59, 7 May 1924, Page 2

PETRIE'S ENTERPRISE

IMPROVING BUSINESS PREMISES, Complimentary remarks by many public citizens and visitors to Stratford have been made on the recent erection, by Mr John Petrie, jeweller, Strattord, of_ the imposing building at the corner of Broadway and Regan Street, which is not only a credit to the owner, architect, and builders, but an attraction to the town and a distinct asset to the district. It is interesting to note that Mr Petrie has been in business in Stratford as a watchmaker and jeweller for tho past thirty years and the erection of the imposing structure should be an incentive to others to erect similar substantial buildings in keeping with the progressive spirit of Stratford.' A reporter of the “Stratford' Evening Post” had an interview with Mr J. D. Healy, .of Stratford, architect, who designed and supervised the work. Mr Hoaly stated that the building was of reinforced concrete throughout, and on the ground floor were three well built shops, the largest being occupied by Mr J. Petrie as watchmaker and jeweller. This shop, ho said, has a frontage of G9ft to Regan Street, and 42ft to Broadway. Tt is a corner shop (with massive folding doors) 38ft by 20fI:, consisting of a magnificent showroom fitted with oak window show cases- and : plate-, glass windows' and i shelve The doors, of ‘‘excellent wm'kmanshipi,; wei'o executed by Mr| T. Richardson, of Stratford. Every attention hap, been given to light, and in. .addition to the large wimtoWs,.fanlights are provided over the suspended veran-, 'dah which runs the whole ..length-ol the street frontkges. The ‘workshop, occupies part of the main ground floor, and adjoining is a /concrete, stromr-room (16ft by 18ft) for safe custody of valuable articles.

Adjoining Mr Petrie’s shop in Broadway is a commodious shop (42ft by 19ft) at present occupied by Mr P. Ke'ai- as”a music : store. shop in Regan Street is 42ft by 19ft. All tho shop fronts are of English oak with plate glass windows, while in the bases and piers, tiles of a smart “tiger” pattern have been used \yith pleasing effect. ,~, , ’ Access to the first floor js.gairied by a concrete staircase .(4ft wid.e>,' the entrance being from Regan Street. The first floor is ..JJJJ., into ten offices with the necessary conveniences and these offi'pes.-nre now all occupied. The front ||pjn:il°n : jm[ the whole building above the verandah, is finished in Atlas white cement, which adds to its spheral appearance. The building is fitted with), electric light throughout, and electric heaters for radiators. Proper drainage has been installed and everything has been arranged with cine regard to tho comfort and convenience of the occupiers.

From a spectacular standpoint, the simplicity of the design of the building lends itself to atractiveness, and' has not only been favourably commented upon by visitors, hut the Stratford Borough Council recently passed a resolution! complimenting Mr Petrie on constructing a building which was a credit to the town. >■

M cssi’s J. T. Julian 'find Sons, of Auckland and New Plymouth, were tho builders; Messrs Smart Bros, carried out the. plumbing, heating, and electric lighting; Messrs Bellringer -Bros. painting; and Mr G. Knight, plastering. The architect, Mr Henly, shares in the complimentary remarks which have been made concerning the building erected by so enterprising a. citizen as Mr J. Petrie.